BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The Baldwin County Commission has  terminated Bicentennial Park director Nick Warren and agreed Tuesday to charge the highway department with maintenance, describing the North Baldwin facility as a state of  “perpetual neglect.”

The Commission will vote Tuesday to ratify the change of command of the park, and to hire two groundskeepers who will maintain Live Oak Landing and the park, which are adjacent on State Highway 225 near Stockton.

Warren’s termination is effective Oct. 1. The work session agenda item stated “on numerous occasions, said grounds were in a state of perpetual neglect. The grounds were overgrown, not attended to as to aesthetic grounds-keeping and in a general state of non-upkeep extending even to the historic interpretations in the Bicentennial Park.

"The county Highway Department is better suited to operate and manage the grounds of the Bicentennial Park.”

 The action eliminates Warren’s $66,229 yearly salary. The agenda item states John Jackson, director of Baldwin County Archives and Warren’s boss, and County Administrator David Brewer recommended the firing due to neglect and that the highway department is better suited for maintenance.

According to the changes, Jackson will advise the highway department on historic and cultural matters at the park, and planned additions, including a military museum.

 Jackson, however, no longer will be in charge of daily park management. Warren was not available for comment Tuesday. Jackson referred questions to Commissioners.

Commissioner Frank Burt, who serves the North Baldwin area, did not return phone calls. Commission chairman Bob James said the matter came up during budget hearings.

”We wanted the park at a higher level,” James said. “John Jackson is A No. 1, but not at maintaining the park. We need resources in the right place. The parks should fall within the highway department. There is a lot of work to be done.”

Jim Mitchell, one of 22 members tapped by the Commission to review the park location, a six-year member of the Baldwin County Planning and Zoning Commission, former member of the state Maritime Commission and the Fort Morgan Foundation said late Tuesday he disagreed with the Commission action.

 “I’ve been a volunteer since the beginning at the park,” Mitchell said. “It was supposed to be volunteers and donations and 50-50 with county funds. “Nick raised most of the funds for the monuments. He and his wife worked weekends there."

The Historic Montpelier Methodist Church, built in 1895, is a historic landmark for Baldwin County that the Baldwin County Commission hopes to include as a permanent addition to the Baldwin County Bicentennial Park so its history and heritage can be preserved. Private donations have generated more than $10,000 for transportation costs.

 Mitchell said Warren initiated Halloween activities and rides for children the past two years.

 “We were working on embankments for Civil War re-enactments and Christmas activities. Lots of good things have come from Nick. People donated and worked as volunteers based on Nick’s enthusiasm.”

 Mitchell said the Commission was “killing” long-term plans, and that he has tried to contact James and Commissioner Frank Burt, but phone calls were not returned.

“I tried to talk to them, but no one returns my calls,” Mitchell said. “I believe I have put in my time in service to the county for a phone call.”